Muntari accepts AFCON axing

Sulley Muntari has endorsed the decision by coach Kwesi Appiah to exclude him from Ghana’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad.

The AC Milan midfielder is unhappy he is not part of the Black Stars team for Africa’s flagship tournament because the coach has taken the decision in the best interest of the country.

Muntari was excluded from the Black Stars 26-man squad for next month’s tournament in South Africa on Thursday.

This came on the day he returned to action for his Italian Serie A side AC Milan after a six-month injury-induced absence. The decision to exclude Muntari has been condemned by a section of the Black Stars fans but the midfielder insists only fully fit players must play for the national team.

“It’s better that the national team coach takes players to the African Cup of Nations who are 100% fit and I’ll stay here. I’m sorry to be out of the national side but it’d be impossible to be out for 6 months and then go straight to the African Cup of Nations,” Muntari said.

Muntari will stay to play for AC Milan when the tournament starts in South Africa on 19 January. Ghana have been drawn in Group B to face DR Congo, Mali and Niger.